When Leylyn wakes up, she sits up and stretches, as if waking up in Endrian's bedroll wasn't a strange occurrence. She gives Endrian a chance to say something if he wishes.

She bats the fluffball out of her face and then uses the same hand to rub at her right eye sleepily. She then runs the same hand slowly down her face in an even more tiresome manner. "Mornings are evil... You think they have coffee or something?" Leylyn ask's groggily.

Leylyn gets undressed with the same amount of modesty that she did the night before. She sings a few magical lyrics and she rubs her body down, magically cleaning it in mere moments. She then gets dressed. She frowns down a bit at the clothes and armor. But she then sings a few more magical tunes, and voila, her armor and clothes are a different shade of color. "There, that better reflects myself for the now..."

Leylyn looks over to Endrian and gets that mischievous look again. "Hey Endrian, would you like me to give you my special, sensual, magical cleansing. ;3 It will make you cleaner than actually washing, and it is the least I can do for keeping me within your divine protection."

Leylyn has been spamming Prestidigitation. If it wasn't obvious.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Leylyn helps with the preparations, those paying attention notice that she is wearing a different set of clothes and armor, or perhaps the same set of clothes and armor, but in a green style of color, instead of the red that was yesterday.

When the shouting starts, Leylyn sets down what has to be her third cup of coffee. "Fiiinally something interesting!" And she bolts off in the direction of the action, joining up with Leon, Endrian, Devon, and any of the others on the way. "Hey guys, long time no see, so what do you think is going on? Bandits? a quarrel? Poker game gone wrong? Oh, maybe its a..." Leylyn's guesses don't stop, and continue to get more farfetched as she runs out of reasonable possibilities... At least until they arrive or someone cuts of her speaking.

As Leylyn gets up, Endrian asks "Did you sleep ok? I don't think I snore, but I've never asked... Do I snore?

When Leylyn asks about coffee, a puzzled look grows on Endrian's face "Coffee?"

As Leylyn 'bathes', Endrian once again does his best to avoid looking directly at Leylyn. He only slips up the once this time as he absent mindedly looks around and ends up staring at Leylyn for a couple of seconds before realising and quickly averting his gaze, going a rather embarassing vermillion.

When she offers to 'bathe' him, he replies "Ummm... Uhhh... I really appreciate the offer, but I... I'll get myself cleaned up at the end of the day. I uhhh... Hope that uhhh... The night was ok and that I was an ummmm... Sufficient pillow..."

"Snore? Hahaha, that's the funniest thing I have ever been asked when waking up next to somebody! Do I snore? Priceless! Ahem! No sir knight, you slept soundlessly! Leylyn says with a giggle.

"Alright, suite yourself! Let me know if you ever want to reconsider, it doesn't take long." Leylyn says, clapping out magical dust from her undusty hands. "And yes, if I would have to rate your pillow-y-ness, I would rate it a high 8, maybe even a 9. Would snuggle again. I'll pass the word around to all my friends that your chest is among the pillow-y-est."

And with that Leylyn stands up and gives the young naive Paladin a formal bow. "Thank-you Endrian, my Knight of the Night. I shall see you later. If it is not too much trouble, I would wish to abuse your hospitality again tonight! Thankyou!" And with that she leaves the tent to start the day.

The next morning comes around soon though and the camp slowly packs up the material and makes preparation to get underway. Halfway through packing one of the wagons a shout followed by exclamations of anger ring through the camp. The sound seems to be coming from one of the rear wagons.

Aldus will shuffle off in that direction with bird squaking on his shoulder.

As you approach the commotion near the end of the wagons, you clearly notice a large circle of men. Shouts of "Hit 'em right in the smacker!" and "Make that noble sissyboy weep Tylus!" ring out through the air.

In the center of the group of men, you spot Baster on one side of the inner circle, with another man slowly getting to his feet, aided by some lackeys. The men are obviously quite furious at Baster and make clear their intentions to give him a sound beating for having apparently knocked their friend to the ground.

The cheers of the men urge both sides to battle.

Perception DC 10:

You notice that even a few officers are present and seem quite content to not intervene.

Jevon shoves his way to the front of the crowd gathered around the brawl. Quickly taking in the situation, he sees that Baster is worried under his braggadocio. Arrogant bastard seems to have earned himself a beating. Can't have him getting hisself killed though. He shoves his way into Baster's field of vision and gives him a big wink. He then surreptitiously draws and loads his sling before continuing to watch the action.

Leylyn takes one quick look at the situation and walks right into the middle of the circle. She addresses the entire crowd, not taking any side. "Now now boys, I don't know what really happened here, and frankly I don't really care. Nobody will be beating nobody in the smacker, unless they want to go through me first. Is that Clear?" Leylyn says, looking to both Baster and the other men, cracking her knuckles. Those whom may have forgotten due to her fun loving nature are reminded that Leylyn is actually quite tall and quite strong for a woman, possible a match or more for most of the men here.

Intimidate 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

If the men don't jump her and hear her out...:

"Now how about we all stop making our entire operation look like a big joke and we talk this out like adults here." She says as she offers her hand to the man that is trying to get back on his feat. My name is Leylyn, what was your name sir? Baster, Come over here, lets have a chat and smooth this all out... The rest of you, get back to work, the show is over!" Leylyn says, giving everyone one of those stares that makes everyone want to make themselves scarce. Leylyn turns towards Endrian, but then stops and shakes her head. She then turns to Koldir, and waves him over. Sorry Endrian, your too gullible!

Awww! She's gonna spoil the fun. Oh well, I guess it's for the best... As Leylyn steps into the ring and gives her little speech a somewhat dejected look spreads across Jevon's face. He then sighs and puts his game face back on. Carefully observing the crowd for anyone who might have any stupid ideas.

Seeing Leylyn burst forth, feeling compelled to help her, Endrian strides forward, saying "Listen to the lady, the fighting stops here. Anyone who so much as lays a finger on her will have to deal with me. I strongly advise you all stand down."

At this Jevon can no longer contain himself. He bursts out, "Oi! Look at these officers doing nothing to intervene! Aint one of you thought for jus' a sekend that maybe Baster's got what's comin'? Le's hear it Sir Peacock, what'd the poor bloke do to deserve a batter'n?" He thrusts his head forward while simultaneously shrugging his shoulders and opening his hands palm up, as if to say Well?

"I most certainly don't have to explain my actions to you, Jevon !" he bursts out.

He then speaks to the menacing men gathered around him and Leylyn, trying all the while to control his anger through his clenched teeth.

"It's natural to want to help his ally, no matter how misguided he may be. But I offert that we all back down, like the lady and the paladin kindly suggested, before this little situation devolves into an all out brawl !"

Will save to calm down: 1d20 ⇒ 5

"And you all get your insubordinate hides handed to you !" the nobleman shouts, unable to control himself any longer.

FYI Baster wears no armor at the moment. He has his scorpion whip at his side.

"Oh lookie! Basty-wasty's angwy" Jevon says in a mocking tone. Then suddenly becoming deadly serious he stares straight into Baster's face and says, "Now speak plainly before I lose my temper too." No hint of his usual gutter accent or mocking tone is present. He steps forward accompanied by the sound of cracking knuckles as his hands ball into fists. I'll be damned before I see him lash the hide off another ignorant whoreson for no reason.

Readied action to Rage and grapple Baster if he does anything other than explain himself clearly.

"You heard me. Why would you seek to provoke these men? You need to calm down for a minute before you go hurling insults, especially when we are doing our best to keep a group of angry men from delivering a beating you may or may not deserve. We need the whole story, that was all our friend Jevon was asking for."

Something happens to Baster. He straightens himself and breathes evenly.

He glances at the whip at his side, but makes no move to seize it.

"It was infortunate to mention "hides", I realize."

When he speaks, his tone is precise.

He looks at the man facing him, who has now gotten to his feet.

"You, Tylus, I heard you calling me "bastard" behind my back. When I confronted you about that, you told me to "Go f~+@ myself", under the faulty assumption that you being backed by your sniggering friends would stay my hand."

"So I punched you square in the face with my fist, like any man with self-respect would. Your speedy demise angered your misguided friends here, who apparently decided that you should continue to fight with me."

"So these friends of yours were trying to make you recover your senses and hauling you back on your feet."

Baster looks at Leylyn, a question unspoken in his eyes:

Are you going to turn your back on me ?

"That is when Jevon arrived. And then you, Leylyn, and Endrian. And Ithriel... and Burrin."

As he listens to Baster, Jevon's stance relaxes the rest of the way and he actually begins to grin. "Fair 'nuf mate. Might've done the same meself. I fink it's that 'orrid thing what gives the wrong impression." He waggles his finger at Baster's scorpion whip, with an exaggerated, Jim Carrey-like look of disgust. Without further comment he turns on a heel and begins back in the direction of his breakfast, as though nothing at all had happened.

Off to DM my real life game now. Assuming nothing crazy happens in the next few hours, Jevon will finish his breakfast and reboard the zeppelin.

When he catches up, he explains "Sir Baster, you must understand my position. From what I saw, a man was lying on the ground after having been involved in some scuffle that you appeared to have also been in. I then attempted to diffuse the situation, putting myself alongside Leylyn in between you and those brutes. However, your hot head allowed you to yell insults at them, provoking them.

At this point, you had also refused to explain yourself so that we had a better idea of what was going on. I was in a bind where it looked like you only wanted a fight and I have found that it is better to just let things be in those situations and I was going to get myself and Leylyn to safety while you satiated what I had assumed was a need for violence.

I am sorry for my words, and I retract them as they were clearly misguided. Forgive me, Sir Knight?"

That was very well handled people, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be awake at that time to give you the crowd's interaction but to summarize: The appearance of such a large group of people in the circle visibly puts off the crowd as their anger is quelled by your presence. Even Tylus and his lackeys seem put off enough to back down without further aggression.

Perception or Sense Motive DC 20:

The few officers on watch seem to give each other a knowing wink or a smiling nod as if this was all planned perhaps.

Also, as was previously mentioned, I level up characters at certain benchmarks in the story. You are already close enough to the first benchmark to start thinking about your next level choices.

After the incident around the rear wagons, the crowd disperses and resumes their daily task of preparing the camp for travel once again.

With everyone now back to their stations, the Seekers pack up and move out towards their objective with due haste. The weather has taken a turn for the worse it seems as dark clouds loom on the horizon behind the distant mountains and cold winds blow down from the north. Captain Pelemynn himself halts the group for a short time in order to communicate with his forward scouts.

Soon, the call is answered and the dirigible is ordered down from the sky.

Moments later, heavy rain begins pouring down from the skies, drenching everyone and freezing the mood. (Except Leylyn's probably) Then, a flash of bright white lights up the sky as the first lightning strikes the distance.

"Get the wagons into shelter of the trees. We'll wait this storm out, no sense in pursuing now," commands the Captain.

The Seekers take refuge in the woods and set about preparing cover for the non waterproof items and making sure the draft animals don't bolt and run.

Perception 10:

The dark woods echo from time to time with clicking noises and the odd shrill cry.

Koldir begins to step forward in response to Leylyn's summons, but as everyone else seems intent on butting into the conflict, he does not. Knowing that his diplomatic skills leave something to be desired, he waits cautiously, ready to cast a Sleep spell on anyone who makes a true attempt at violence.

Sense motive to see how close Baster is coming to losing control (with Guidance):1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

As the situation defuses, he steps further back into the crowd. At Baster's comment he gives a curt nod in the noble's direction, and heads away, appalled at how quickly the situation had escalated, but relieved that bloodshed had not occurred.

This group is an earnest plea for trouble... I've seen street packs with less inner conflict. There's something about that noble, he's more dangerous than Jevon, in his own way... I wish I were better at speaking, because this group needs a few words and the officers don't seem keen on giving them.

Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Absorbed in his thoughts, Koldir fails to notice the winks exchanged by the officers. He makes a mental note to meet with Leylyn and/or Endrian about talking to the group

----- TIME JUMP -----

Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Koldir goes about doing whatever needs to be done to keep everyone dry, safe, and comfortable. Since he's rarely in a 'good' mood, the rain does little to dampen his spirits further, and he actually finds himself rather cheery, comparatively to the grumbles and groans of the soggy men around him.

Leon had stood by, quietly watching while the others resolved their differences.

I can practically hear my grandfather sighing about boys and pecking orders. Best to just let them be unless things actually get dangerous.

Looking around at the rest and their reactions, Leon began to get a sense of his companions.

Sir Baster and Jevon are definitely ones to keep an eye on. I've seen men like them before working the fields. Too much pride. There's more going on than either of them show. Maybe I can help get them both looking in the same direction."

Hurrying back to his post, Leon began thinking of how to tackle this problem.

Should be just like patching a roof. Strip away the rot. Lay a new base. Shingle to armor and bind.

Hearing the strange clicking noises coming from the woods Jevon decides there are more than enough people to take care of the wagons. Wanting to clear his head after the rough morning, he wanders off in whatever direction the noises are coming from. Probably just the branches in the wind, but it's worth a look-see. The cold rain soaks him but he finds it oddly refreshing. A night out in the rain was a familiar sensation for him, and the Seekers had supplied a nice woolen cloak. He continues on for an hour or so, often stopping to listen.

Koldir looks over at Baster, noting the difference in his demeanor since the last time they'd made eye contact. "Aye, I heard them. The woods can harbor all manner of unpleasant things, I prefer the streets, leastwise there I know the score..."

"Well, Burrin, it seems that contrary to you our rough-looking companion enjoys strolling into the woods."
says the nobleman as he points to Jevon walking out of sight behind the trunk of an old oak tree partially masked by the rain curtain.

The dwarf grunts. "He's got a keen desire to find trouble, that one. He should watch himself, or he's like to find it." His expression changes slightly, the shadow of a grin and something more flickering across his face before he speaks again, softly, almost under his breath. "We all are."

Koldir looks around, silent for a moment, then turns his head back towards Baster. "Very well, as long as I'm a scout I may as well scout somethin' out... It's been somewhat borin' around here anyways, apart from yer antics this mornin', let's see what the woods have in store."

Baster, followed or preceded by Burrin, penetrates into the wood, in the darkness of the great soaked oaken trees - confident that between the company of the dwarf and his own brutal talents he can handle any danger.